Ruth Lola Dargitz

April 1922 ~ Sept 2013

POSTEDSeptember 17, 2013 11:53 p.m.

Ruth Lola Dargitz was born April 7, 1922, in Crowder Oklahoma to Houston F. Frazier and Nancy E. Frazier. Ruth was the second youngest of six children. During the Dust Bowl the Frazier Clan migrated to Hilmar, CA where she attended school. Ruth was very involved in school including class government and Thespian Club. She graduated from Hilmar High in 1940. She was often heard leading the Hilmar fight song. Soon after graduating she moved to San Francisco, CA where she graduated from MacMaster-Paine Business College in 1942. She soon met and married Eldon Challberg and they had their only child, Sharon Lynn Matson. Due to WWII the family moved to several states. In 1956, Ruth divorced Eldon and moved to Turlock CA where she built a home for her and Sharon. In 1958 she met and married Don Dargitz, a CHP officer from Bakersfield. The family moved to Bakersfield where Ruth worked for Bakersfield Country Club for 30 years. After Don’s passing, she returned to Turlock to be closer to her family. In 1994 Ruth met Fred Benedict. They shared a love of travel and adventure. Together they shared 18 cruises around the world, with Asia being their favorite. She was active in the Sunshine Club and enjoyed the many activities at Cypress. Ruth was known for her Karaoke prowess. Predeceasing her was her daughter Sharon Matson and son-in-law Noel Matson. Survivors include her granddaughters Erin (Gary) Youngdale and Amy (Steve) Alvares and four great-grandchildren Lauren (Efrain) Hernandez, Bryce Youngdale, Ethan Alvares, and Evyn Alvares. Ruth was a trailblazer and one of a kind. She will be truly missed. A Funeral Service will be held at Allen Mortuary on Friday, Sept 20th at 1 pm. Burial will follow at Turlock Memorial Park. Memorial gifts are suggested for Alexander Cohen Hospice House c/o Community Hospice, 4368 Spyres Way, Modesto CA 95356. Please leave memories and condolences at www.allenmortuary.com.